Rite Aid and OptumHealth Introduce NowClinic Online Care Services in Detroit

CAMP HILL, Pa., Sep 15, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- --Rite Aid and OptumHealth First to Provide "Virtual" Clinics in a Retail Pharmacy Setting

Rite Aid and OptumHealth are bringing the latest in quality, convenient online health care to Rite Aid customers in the greater Detroit area with the introduction of NowClinic(SM) Online Care services, now available inside select Rite Aid pharmacies. NowClinic offers Rite Aid customers real-time access to convenient medical care, information and resources from doctors and OptumHealth nurses. Rite Aid and OptumHealth are the first to provide a virtual clinic in a retail pharmacy setting.

Through private, face-to-face consultations using the Internet, Rite Aid customers can see and speak directly to doctors who are able to discuss symptoms, provide guidance, diagnose and prescribe certain medications when appropriate. Customers can also interact with OptumHealth nurses, who are able to address a range of health care needs such as basic health care education, information on common acute issues and assistance in identifying appropriate provider options for care. A customer record is automatically captured at the end of each interaction and is available for immediate sharing with a customer's primary care provider, maintaining continuity of care.

Customers can have consultations with doctors and interact with OptumHealth nurses via NowClinic Online Care inside private consultation rooms inside the following Rite Aid pharmacies in the Detroit area during regular pharmacy hours:

-- 51341 West Huron River Drive, Belleville

-- 4151 South Canton Center Road, Canton

-- 42481 West 13 Mile Road, Novi

-- 24850 Greenfield Road, Oak Park

-- 6970 North Rochester Road, Rochester Hills

-- 39000 Van Dyke Ave., Sterling Heights

-- 23201 Marter Road, St. Clair Shores

-- 2971 West Maple Road, Troy

-- 3273 West Huron St., Waterford

Customers can also access NowClinic Online Care 24/7 by visiting www.myNowClinic.com/RiteAid , which is especially convenient when customers are not able to visit a doctor's office or for when offices or their local Rite Aid are not open. Currently, conversations with nurses are complementary and a 10-minute consultation with a doctor is $45.

"This collaboration reflects Rite Aid's continuing commitment to support the total health and well-being of our communities," said Robert Thompson, Rite Aid Executive Vice President of Pharmacy. "Our customers will be able to ask questions or receive care from doctors and health education from nurses online, fill prescriptions and consult with their Rite Aid pharmacist, all in one convenient visit."

"OptumHealth's vision for NowClinic is to provide consumers with greater control of their health care experience," said Chris Stidman, senior vice president of OptumHealth Care Solutions. "We are excited that this collaboration will help Detroit-area residents connect with doctors, OptumHealth nurses and other care providers in the trusted, convenient settings of their community Rite Aid pharmacies in Michigan."

NowClinic services are supported through a technology platform provided by American Well(TM), ( www.americanwell.com ) the industry leader in telehealth solutions.

Rite Aid Corporation /quotes/zigman/239690/quotes/nls/rad RAD +1.82% is one of the nation's leading drugstore chains with approximately 4,700 stores in 31 states and the District of Columbia with fiscal 2011 annual revenues of $25.2 billion. Information about Rite Aid, including corporate background and press releases, is available through Rite Aid's website at www.riteaid.com .

OptumHealth is part of Optum, a leading information and technology-enabled health services company dedicated to making the health system work better for everyone. OptumHealth is a leader in population health management, helping 60 million Americans navigate the health care system, finance their health care needs and achieve their health and well-being goals. OptumHealth supports the physical, mental and financial health of individuals with solutions offered through employers, health plans, public sector programs and health care providers. Visit www.optum.com or www.optumhealth.com for more information. For more information about NowClinic, visit www.myNowClinic.com .

SOURCE: Rite Aid Corporation and OptumHealth

        
        MEDIA: 
        Rite Aid 
        Ashley Flower, 717-975-5718 
        or 
        OptumHealth 
        Chuck Grothaus, 952-917-7239